So it’s finally happened. The football pairing that you thought would make it have parted ways. Like your favourite couple separating, the shock announcement of The DFB (German Football Association) and Adidas ending their long standing relationship caused an emotional reaction among those of us very passionate about our polyester perfections.
Other feds have flirted with many a provider over the years but Germany and the premier German sports brand seemed a match made in heaven.
Defection to Nike felt like a real slap on the cheek from the fed. The brand divorce equivalent of leaving for someone in a house across the street . Not stepping down, not a start up, not even going in house, just moving in with someone you’ve admired for years not that far from home.
They’ve been together since 1980. The year I was born. I’ve literally known nothing else in my lifetime!
Who could have possibly seen this coming?
Can you tell I’m not taking this well?
Anyway, the DFB and Adidas have provided some iconic shirts over the years and some moments so here are my top five Germany shirts. If you need me, I’ll be in the corner gently weeping into my shirt collection
West Germany (as they were) 1990
It’s iconic. It’s my favourite. My grail. The one referenced through the years and never replicated. The first World cup I watched and the first football shirt that made think wow!
I still don’t own one.
Maybe if I had the grail the hunt would be over and then what would I do?
It wouldn’t be hard to get one. As grails go it’s a fairly easy get but I know what happened at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark so if I had it in my hands I fear that may be football shirt game over and we can’t have that.
Like Roadrunner and Wile E Coyote, I will continue to chase, subconsciously saying to myself ‘next time I see it I’ll grab it’ but never quite following through.
World Cup 1994
I’ll leave to to you to fight this one out in the comments, for me the away slightly pips it here.
Big shouldered, baggy 90s chic. So good they brought it back but why shop a do over when these are out there in the wolrd?
No this is not cheating as I’ve said the away pips it but you’ve got to love a matching pair regardless!
Germany 2012 away
I do love a green shirt!
This is clean, smart retro and modern all in one go.
Much like the German stereo type - efficient, productive and classy.
Some team that!
Germany 2024 away
Caused a little controversy on release as some knuckle dragging elements were unhappy about the pink. However, did some serious sales outside of the comments section and was one of the best selling shirts of the modern era.
Don’t be scared it’s only a colour!
Germany 2014 away
Is this the ultimate Germany shirt?
Not only a great look but providing one of the shock results in World Cup history while being worn.
Germany 7 - Brazil 1
A World Cup semi final in Brazil and this was the result!
Unexpected scenes, shock and awe, jaws hitting the floor around the world.
Two heavyweights and one team providing a kit and scoring knockout.
Is this the end?
What will Nike and Germany bring to the table?
At this point we can’t say for sure. The reported money on the table would suggest that Nike will make Germany their centrepiece and maybe set a precedent to test other international team loyalty.
They have teased us already during the World Cup.
I wonder if German fans care about this or if this is more of a concern for us who collect shirts? Maybe the comments will reveal that.
For now let’s just cross our fingers and hope that it brings something new and exciting to the shirt collecting table.
One final hurrah
That said Adidas aren’t quite done yet.
Legends past and present need to have their say.
Keep your eyes peeled on November 3rd for one final shirt!
What did I miss?
Come on. I know you have opinions let me know your favourite Germany shirt and tell me why!
2014 the best